Tuesday December 07, 2021 |
 |
WE are delighted to announce that Birmingham Speedway have been saved and will come to the tapes for the 2022 season thanks to a new consortium and the support of the fans.
A deal has been agreed for the purchase of the club from outgoing owners David and Peter Mason and, with the plans approved by British Speedway Promoters Ltd, the Brummies will take their place in the Championship next year.
There were initially three separate consortiums who showed an interest in taking over the reins, all of whom were spoken to by Laurence Rogers who, having joined the club as co-promoter and team manager in 2018, was determined not to let it go without a fight. It fairly quickly became apparent that one group were in the best position to move forward and, despite not knowing each other at all, they were put in touch by Laurence and discovered they shared a common vision for the way forward.
The consortium have already faced several challenges along the way, with many more to come, but will continue to liaise and work with the speedway authorities and the greyhound company to have everything in place for the new season with the aim to see the club survive long term.
Nigel Tolley, on behalf of the consortium, commented: "Naturally the four directors of the company, Birmingham Speedway 2022 Ltd, have made major investment in purchasing the club and its assets but that is just the start and there will need to be considerably more investment.
"We are actively seeking the sponsorship and advertising that will help put the club on a firm footing but, one of the most important aspects, is the involvement of the supporters.
"The consortium have been touched and delighted by the share application pledges received so far and the faith shown by the supporters in what we are trying to do.
"The Directors have agreed that the company is a not for profit venture and any profits made will be reinvested in the club with all supporters having the opportunity to be part of it "“ we simply can't do it without them."
Laurence Rogers is relieved the hard work of the past few months is now over:
"I have literally been working on this for months and I believe we have a perfect solution in the consortium now in charge of the club.
"We did, at various stages, think it wouldn't happen but the hard work and commitment of the group has seen us succeed.
"They all know there is a lot of work to be done but all four are ready for this and we aim to do a lot of promotional and marketing work in a variety of ways to get the club advertised and bring new fans in.
"One of the first big jobs though is to completely relay the track. I have a big motorway blade coming in to take the track back to its base and then iron out any holes etc then we will be laying all new shale and letting it bed in before the season starts.
"Naturally with the delay in getting everything sorted our team building cannot start until now but I have set targets to put together a solid side, and part of the business plan of the new company is to start the season with a team capable of making the play-offs.
"I hope to be in a position to start naming riders sooner rather than later."
Nigel Tolley will become a co-promoter of the club alongside Laurence Rogers, who will continue as team manager.
Tolley added: "I'd like to thank British Speedway Promoters Ltd for their patience whilst we concluded matters, and for their assistance throughout the process.
"I'm sure the supporters will be delighted that speedway will continue at Perry Barr next season, but I can't stress enough how much we need them throughout this journey. We want to give them a real involvement in their club, and we simply can't do it without them."
"The shareholding forms are on the website and forum or, if you would like one to be posted, please call Tracey Smith on 07837 327333. They can be returned by e-mail to laurencerogers@birmingham-speedway.com or in the post to: Tracey Smith, 11A Edward Street, Belper, Derbyshire. DE56 1DZ."
| Share This: |
 |
 |
|
